Trump Authorizes Ranchers to Process Meat to Break Monopoly

President Donald Trump announced plans to authorize American farmers and ranchers to process and sell their own meat to lower consumer prices before the November midterm elections. The move aims to break a monopoly held by four major processors—Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., JBS NV, and National Beef Packing Co.—which together control approximately 85% of U.S. cattle purchases.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged to support the initiative by rescinding outdated guidance, waiving regulatory red tape, and expanding the ability of ranchers to sell products across state lines. These actions coincide with an ongoing Justice Department antitrust probe into the meatpacking industry.

Simultaneously, the administration announced that up to 300,000 metric tons of beef for ground beef will enter the United States over the next 90 days without triggering higher out-of-quota tariffs. This imported meat is expected to sell at 25% below market price. While the administration claims this will lower prices and allow domestic ranchers time to rebuild herds, the source of the meat remains undisclosed.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association rejected the processing proposal, arguing that weakening federal meat inspection and food safety standards would jeopardize consumer confidence. The association urged the government to focus on reducing legitimate regulatory burdens and protecting herds from foreign disease rather than managing the cattle business.